Professional: To Be or Not To Be...

I was watching this young lady on a popular Judge show the other day and I couldn't help but be taken back at what I saw! She claimed to be a professional and had built a case against her former employer for wrongful termination. The kicker, however, was that she was in court dressed very provocatively, speaking out of turn and displayed some very disruptive non-verbal behavior. Needless to say, her case was dismissed but I began to think to myself, "Is this what passes as professionalism these days?" At what point did the term professionalism become so loosely interpreted? Sure, I've come across people who truly understand what business etiquette means, but I have also seen far too many who have been robbed of that understanding. We need to get back to the basics and help our youth understand that there is a sense of pride that connects with the title of "Professional." It has to start with parents and it must continue with our educators, mentors, business owners and community leaders. We lead by example so let's make sure the next generation doesn't chew gum at an interview, roll their eyes at paying requests or reveal all their glory on a national court show! Anything you want to add? Speak!

Fashion: Friend or Foe?

Ok, I've read your ideas and the most constant topic of choice was choosing a versatile wardrobe! There's really not a simple way to put it....fashion is a science. Luckily though, it's not rocket science, just regular science. Your attire should express you and the image you want to relay. For me, my wardrobe has to "say" a lot of things. It has to say that I am professional yet fun and appropriate yet trendy. Now, how can I relay so many different things without looking like I got dressed blind-folded, during a power outage? Simple - experimentation and contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a fortune! Simply take pieces from your closet and mix and match them. For example, ladies take that spaghetti-strapped pencil dress that's too sexy for the office and add a stylish jacket or cardigan and just like that you are a professional fashionista! Guys, don't feel left out. Here's one for you. Because of the many kinds of washes and fits, jeans are slowly taking a back seat to khakis on those casual work days. However, take those gently worn jeans and pair it with a white, crisp button-down shirt and a blazer and you've just created an alternative to casual khaki day! Remember, style is a big part of every dimension of our lives! Make a statement, but make it YOUR statement! Now, fashion....friend or foe?

Keep your topic ideas coming!

Chapter Ten Blast!

Wow, it's been a long, enlightening and nothing short of an amazing journey! If you've read the book or been following my posts, then you truly understand the evolution of a success enthusiast! A success enthusiast is one who is a fanatic about success. Fanatics don't abandon their goals and dreams, they evolve with them. Mental evolution explains how you can go from feelings of regret, anger, confusion, frustration and etc to feelings of hope, optimism, courage and peace. This type of progressive thinking is what separates success from its counterpart! This is what "No Box" is all about! Be encouraged that you are not alone and that mistakes are correctable. Forge your own way and believe in the "You" factor!

Wow - ten chapters in ten months! Now, I want to know what's on your mind! Make your comments and your topic could be the next blog topic!

Chapter Nine Blast!

When you really want something, whether it's a new job, a new relationship or that long awaited "YES" to your friend request, it's hard to just sit back and wait for things to happen....isn't it? Well, did you know that acquiring patience could give you a whole different perspective on that dreaded "waiting game?" Being positive and productive behind the scenes ensures that everything on stage ends in your favor. Remember, patience is not idleness so use every moment to add something to yourself that you didn't have before. As long as you see progress towards your endeavor, you are on the right track! I can remember times when I allowed my haste and self-indulgent thoughts to lead me totally away from my goals. This is a no-no. (It took me a while, but I've accepted that singing in the shower is not the same as singing on a mic. Sorry American Idol!) Great things require great sacrifices. Be patient, work diligently and don't be distracted by the attractive fork in the road! Do you have a story of how patience or impatience helped or hurt you? Share!

Chapter Eight Blast!

This is by far my favorite chapter! In Chapter Eight, I bring readers into my very unbalanced world. I discuss how my career was simmering on the back-burner while I took more than enough time to partake in social extras. I share a funny dating story and how I thought my love life needed a fast-forward button. I even share how a good friend finally helped me to realize the importance of "getting naked." You see, the thing about life that I've learned is that we will never be able to totally avoid all the distractions that may bind us and bring our focus levels down, but we can learn to recognize and handle these things. That's what matters! When unproductive spells or restlessness threaten your goals, are you able to identify and manage the situation? Can you mix some down time in with your vigorous day schedule? If you can't, the weight of your world will eventually overtake you. Find ways to incorporate balance and make that system work for you. Make equilibrium a part of your daily regime because without it, you are basically walking a tight rope without a net. Do you have balance? How do you find time to do the things you need to do and the things you like to do? Share!

Chapter Seven Blast!

Being professional is so much more than the clothes we wear and the work we produce. It's about learning to master our moods, engaging in effective two-way communication and being accountable and corrective for our mistakes. It's about understanding that work is not the place to be embroiled in feuds or to create inappropriate social attachments. Basically, it's about acknowledging the fact that there is a time and a place for everything! As professionals, we play a huge role in ensuring that our work environments are productive and free-flowing. Being able to separate "work" and state is key in that objective. Now, the next time you see an opportunity to involve yourself in an emotion-fueled conversation or sweep a mistake under the rug, what will you do? The stage is set and the spotlight is on....so play your part!

Chapter Six Blast!

We all, at some point, have imagined ourselves enjoying great success and we should! All great things start in the mind. However, our minds sometimes cleverly omit the details associated with acquiring that success. The next time you picture yourself behind the desk of that chic office with that amazing view, also try to visualize a strategy to help you advance. Then, physically make your "power move." One effective way to make a power move is socializing. That's right - professional socializing or networking. Mixing and mingling with different people gives you the opportunity to spotlight your assets and acquire a myriad of resources. Be social savvy and understand that an occasional embarrassing moment or two (if you're like me) is possible, but not detrimental. Remember, there is value in relationship-building and there is power in networking. Now, make your move!